Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe: A Comfort Food Classic
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a delicious and indulgent pasta dish that is perfect for special occasions or a cozy night in. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser and will leave your taste buds wanting more.
The name “Million Dollar Spaghetti” might make you think that it’s an expensive dish, but it’s actually quite affordable and easy to make. The key ingredient in this recipe is the cheese – a mixture of cream cheese, sour cream, and mozzarella that creates a creamy and cheesy sauce.
Here’s how to make Million Dollar Spaghetti:
— You’ll need :
- Kosher salt to taste (for the pasta water)
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 lb. Spaghetti noodles
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 c ricotta cheese
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning divided
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 3 c Marinara sauce, divided
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 c finely diced onions
- 2 c freshly grated mozzarella cheese
— Directions:
Prepare the oven and preheat to 175 degrees C or 350 degrees F.
Apply cooking spray to a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Place a large skillet on the stove and turn the heat to medium-high.
Add oil and allow it to become hot.
Add the onion, then sauté for about 3 minutes or until soft.
Add the garlic, then sauté for a minute or until aromatic.
Add the ground beef, then cook for a few minutes until crumbly and brown. Discard any excess fat.
Add 2 cups of marinara sauce and 1 tsp Italian seasoning, then stir until well blended. Remove from the heat.
Cook the spaghetti according to the directions provided in the package. Drain and put it back into the pot where you cooked it.
Add 1 cup of marinara sauce over the pasta, then toss until well coated.
Add garlic powder, cream cheese, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, and ricotta cheese into a mixing bowl. Stir until well blended.
Add 1/2 of the spaghetti into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
Add the cheese mixture on top of the pasta. Repeat the process with the rest of the pasta and cheese.
Add the meat mixture over the cheese and spread it evenly. Top everything with mozzarella cheese.
Place the pan inside the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until the cheese has melted completely. Broil for about 2 minutes if you want.
Serve and enjoy!
— Becky’s Tips:
Becky, a food blogger and recipe creator, suggests adding some vegetables to this dish to make it even more nutritious. You can add diced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the meat sauce to add some flavor and texture to the dish. You can also use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef to make it healthier.
— Storage Suggestions:
If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave it for a few minutes or heat it up in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes.
— Nutrition Information:
One serving of Million Dollar Spaghetti (about 1/8 of the recipe) contains approximately 610 calories, 34 grams of fat, 36 grams of carbohydrates, and 36 grams of protein. The dish is a good source of calcium, iron, and vitamin C.
In conclusion, Million Dollar Spaghetti is a delicious and satisfying meal that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. You can customize the recipe to your liking by adding your favorite vegetables or using a different type of meat. With Becky’s tips, you can make this dish even healthier without sacrificing any flavor. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a dinner party, Million Dollar Spaghetti is sure to be a hit.
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